The Resort | Story, Impact & Awards | Sunstone Beach Resort

The resort

Our resort

Sunstone Beach Resort was born from a new vision for hospitality in Burundi:
To create a unique destination that allows guests to discover the often overlooked beauty of the Lake region in a way that feels private, luxurious and deeply connected to nature.

Recently recognised as Burundi's Leading Hotel by the World Travel Awards, Sunstone combines a distinctive sense of place with a level of hospitality that sets it apart.

Loungers and the quiet corners by the water

Garden steps up through the trees to the bungalows

A shaded terrace under the trees, the lake beyond

The property from the air, forest behind and the lake in front

Located on a spacious lakeside property in Rumonge, the resort is surrounded by mature trees, green gardens and open spaces that give guests room to slow down. At the centre of the property is a large two-level infinity pool with an integrated Jacuzzi and expansive views across Lake Tanganyika.

Here guests enjoy direct access to the beach and lake, spa and wellness facilities, nature walks, water activities and lakeside dining. Warm, attentive service is part of the experience throughout, with a team focused on making guests feel genuinely looked after.

Sunstone is well suited to families, diplomats, VIP guests, NGO members and travellers seeking privacy, space and peace of mind.

The resort is only open to resident guests, helping preserve the tranquillity, discretion and sense of exclusivity that define the property.

Sunstone is not simply a place to stay. It is an opportunity to discover a different side of Burundi — surrounded by nature, cared for with genuine hospitality, and given the space to truly disconnect.

A buggy on the paths between the gardens

A room with its doors open to the balcony and the trees

Palms and parasols on the lawn, the lake beyond

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Our story

Rooted in Burundi. Built by our community.

Sunstone Beach was shaped by more than its setting on Lake Tanganyika. From the beginning, the aim was to create an exceptional resort that remained closely connected to the people, materials and skills of southern Burundi.

Inside the Obsidian villa: a four-poster bed hung with white netting under a high thatched roof, two coral armchairs on a woven rug and louvred doors open to the palms

Local craftsmen and workers from neighbouring villages played an important role in building the property, and materials have been sourced locally wherever possible. That connection is still visible throughout the resort today, from the woodwork created by young members of the team to locally made tailoring and decorative details.

The Sunstone Beach team gathered on the stone steps in front of the thatched main building

Behind the gardens, rooms, meals, craftsmanship and service are people whose work has helped shape Sunstone Beach. Every stay is therefore connected to a wider story of local talent, opportunity and pride in the place we call home.

What we believe

“Empowerment comes from giving people the opportunity, skills and confidence to build their own future.”

How that belief works in practice

Social impact

Tourism that leaves more behind than it takes

At Sunstone Beach, sustainability is also about people. We believe tourism should create meaningful value for the communities around the resort, not only for the guests who visit.

01

Employing & buying locally

We recruit many of our team members from the surrounding villages and work with local suppliers, craftsmen and producers wherever possible. This helps support livelihoods, small businesses and families within the communities around Sunstone Beach.

02

Supporting local organisations

Our commitment extends beyond the resort through support for local organisations and community initiatives, including a nearby children’s orphanage. This has included practical donations such as food, clothing and laptops.

03

Developing local skills

We invest in practical, hands-on training that helps our employees build confidence, gain experience and develop skills they can carry forward into long-term careers.

Alongside responsible use of resources and care for our natural surroundings, these principles guide our sustainability journey.

A child in a backpack laughing over one shoulder on a dirt road, trees behind, photographed in black and white

A girl in a blue dress reaching across a table stacked with exercise books to take one from a group of smiling men, other children and neighbours waiting beside her under the trees

Children from the local community gathered on a stone terrace, a boy leading a small girl by the hand at the front, families standing and sitting behind them

Beyond the resort

Support that reaches past our gates

Our commitment extends beyond the property itself. Alongside supporting local livelihoods, suppliers and young talent, Sunstone Beach also supports a nearby children’s orphanage.

Our support has included practical donations such as laptops, clothing and food, helping respond to immediate needs while also creating opportunities for learning and development. For us, giving back is not a separate initiative; it is part of the same belief that tourism should create value for the community around us.

Every stay therefore becomes part of a wider story: supporting employment, developing skills, preserving craftsmanship and helping us contribute in a meaningful way to the people who call this part of Burundi home.

A smiling bartender in a blue Sunstone uniform pouring a drink at the bar, shelves of bottles lit behind him

Training and mentoring

Growing through experience

Many members of the Sunstone team come from the surrounding community, and we believe in giving people the time, support and opportunity to grow.

Through hands-on training, mentoring and learning on the job, team members build confidence and practical experience across hospitality, food and beverage, housekeeping, guest service, maintenance, gardening, tailoring and woodwork.

For many, Sunstone is a place to take an important step in their professional journey. Some join us with limited experience, but with curiosity, commitment and a willingness to learn. Our role is to support that growth, help people discover their strengths and give them the practical skills and experience they can carry forward into the future.

Recognition

Awards & press

Sunstone Beach has received growing recognition from tourism organisations, travel platforms and the hospitality industry for its distinctive lakeside experience, service and contribution to tourism in Burundi.

2026